Bluedata International Institute
1261 Broadway 11th Floor
New York, NY 10001
(212) 683-6250 www.bluedataesl.com
BLUEDATA INTERNATIONAL
SCHOOL CATALOG
2011 - 2013
October 2011
1261 Broadway, Suite 1105, New York, NY 10001-3506
Tel: (212) 683-6250
Fax: (212) 213-2790
info@bluedata-ny.com
1
www.bluedataesl.com
TABLE OF CONTENTS



























Introduction
Mission Statement
Goals
Objective
Accrediting and Licensing Agencies
Office Hours
Governing Board
Administrative and Supporting Staff
Teaching Faculty
Class Schedule
Application/Enrollment Procedure
Course Hours, Prerequisites and Descriptions
Academic Standards
Requirements for Graduation
Holiday Schedule
Leave of Absence
Attendance and Cancellation
Student Conduct
Suspension or Dismissal
Tuition and Fees
Refund Policies
Facility Description
Students Services
General Policy for Disable Students
Complaint Procedures
Disclosure Statement
Consumer Information
3
3
3
3
3
4
4
4
4
5
5
6
8
9
9
9
10
10
10
11
11
12
12
12
13
13
13
2
INTRODUCTION
Bluedata International Institute is a privately owned postsecondary English language and business institution
licensed by the New York State Bureau of Proprietary School Supervision (NYSBPSS). It is also certified by the
Student and Exchange Visitor Information System (SEVIS) to enroll nonimmigrant international students.
Bluedata International Institute was founded in 1997 as a private licensed business school. Today Bluedata
provides English language training in ESL levels 1-6 as well as preparation for the TOEFL, GMAT and GRE.
MISSION STATEMENT
The mission of Bluedata International Institute is to provide a quality learning experience and an opportunity for
International Students to learn English for personal, academic and professional purposes while experiencing
American culture in New York City.
GOALS
The goals of Bluedata International Institute are to prepare students for competition in the American mainstream
and to instill cross cultural understanding and appreciation.
OBJECTIVE
Bluedata strives to provide a stimulating and supportive learning environment for international students.
ACCREDITING & LICENSING AGENCIES
1. Registered with the New York State Education Department
Bluedata can be found on the New York State Education Department licensed school
list at www.highered.nysed.gov/bpss
2. Bluedata is authorized under Federal Law to accept nonimmigrant students
Bluedata can be found on the USCIS authorized school list at
http://www.ice.gov/sevis/students/index.htm and USCIS National Customer Service
Center (NCSC) at 1-800-375-5283
3. Bluedata is accredited by Commission on English Language Program Accreditation
organization
Bluedata International Institute is accredited by the Commission on English Language
Program Accreditation (CEA) for the period April 2011 – April 2012 and agrees to uphold the CEA Standards
for English Programs. For further information about this accreditation, please contact the Commission on
English Language Program Accreditation, 801 North Fairfax Street, Suite 402A, Alexandria, VA 22314, (703)
519-2070.
4. Bluedata observe the Family Educational Rights and Privacy Act (FERPA) (20 U.S.C. § 1232g; 34 CFR Part
99)
o Parents or eligible students have the right to inspect and review the student's education records
maintained by the school. However, Bluedata is not required to provide copies of records unless, for
reasons such as great distance, it is impossible for parents or eligible students to review the records.
There is a fee charge for copies at Bluedata.
3
o
Parents or eligible students have the right to request correction of records which they believe to be
inaccurate or misleading.
o Bluedata requires a written permission from the parent or eligible student before any information could
be released from a student's education record.
5. BLUEDATA does not discriminate against students, employees, recruiters, potential hires, and/or any other
individuals on the basis of sex, race, ethnic origin or religion.
OFFICE HOURS
The school office is open 7 days a week. It is opened from 8am to 10pm Monday through Thursday, 9am to 9pm
Friday, 8:30am to 5:30pm Saturday and 8:30am to 4pm on Sunday.
GOVERNING BOARD
Jinsong Chen
MBA
Jie Hu
BS
President and Primary Designated
School Official, Co-owner
Chief Financial Officer, Co-owner
ADMINISTRATIVE AND SUPPORTING STAFF
Ai Matsui
Fei Wang
Kenzo Shimizu
Soshi Uchida
Steven Chen
Misun Kim
Lanxing Jiang
Yuki Oyama
Linlin Jin
I-Chi Lee
Adria Bloom
BA
BA
BA
BA
BA
MA
BA
BA
BA
BA
BA
Director
Assistant Director/ Designated School Official
Administrative Assistant/ Designated School Official
Designated School Official
Accountant/ Designated School Official
Office Manager/ Agent
Assistant Manager
Agent
Agent
Agent
Administrative Assistant
TEACHING FACULTY
All teaching faculty have current ESOL teaching licenses from the New York State Education Department. In
addition, many teachers have advanced degrees. Below is a list of our teachers and their educational backgrounds.
Ash Benzo
BA
Finance
Martha Buckner
BA
Legal Studies
Sunjida Chudhoury
MA
TESOL(2012)
Lisa Elias
BA
Urban Affaris, Media and Psychology
Reginald Greene
BA
Philosophy
Eric Holland
BS
Television and Radio, MA Media Arts
Farida Lazareva
MA
Education
Aaron Lynah
BA
Media Studies
Ronald Michel
BA
Sociology and Political Science
David Moss
BA
Music
Louis Odo
BA
Political Science and History
Krithi Rao
MA
TESOL
Steve Rewinski
BA
Political Science and History
Gregory P. Stancil
MA
TESOL
Brenda Tidwell
BA
Sociology
Evan A. Waite
MA
TESOL
Jennifer Carnovale
MA
TESOL(2012)
Patricia Reilly
MA
TESOL(2012)
4
CLASS SCHEDULE
Classes are scheduled individually as needed on an ongoing schedule, with new classes starting every month.
For English Language programs, one session lasts 10 weeks with a one month intersession. One academic
year consists of four sessions. International students are permitted a one month intersession only when they
register for another session, and they must start attending classes on the start date set by the school.
A class’s start date, schedule and end date of your class will be noted in the enrollment agreement. Students
will be notified of any changes to their class schedule. A student is assigned an ESL level according to their
entrance exam scores. Students are allowed to change levels in the first two weeks of class only.
Schedule Options
Class Start Date - Year 2011
Providing students with a variety of scheduling options and start dates is one of the many ways Bluedata
International Institute supports its students in their academic, personal, and professional needs and aspirations.
APPLICATION/ENROLLMENT PROCEDURE
For International Students outside the US
1) Students must fill out and submit the I-20 application, along with the $100 school application fee, and
$200 SEVIS fee.
2) Students must submit a bank statement to school with at least $5,000 for four months of study, and a
copy of their valid passport (valid for at least the past 6 months).
3) Students must submit copies of highest academic records and/or highest transcripts.
4) Students will receive their I-20 and apply for a F-1 visa at a US embassy
5) Once students receive F-1 visa and come to the US, they must come to school and take entrance exam.
6) Register for class and sign an enrollment agreement.
7) Pay for the appropriate class; review Student Orientation Packet
8) Attend class.
For International Students inside the US
1) Transfer students must submit the I-20 application, plus a school application fee of $100.
5
2)
3)
4)
5)
6)
7)
8)
Change of status students must submit a $200 school application fee, plus a $500 application fee for
USCIS.
Students must submit a bank statement to school with at least $5,000 for four months of study, and a
copy of their valid passport (valid for at least the past 6 months).
Students must submit copies of highest academic records and/or highest transcripts.
Once students are accepted to Bluedata, they must come to our school and take entrance exam.
Register for class and sign an enrollment agreement.
Pay for the appropriate class; review Student Orientation Packet.
Attend class.
For Domestic Students
1) Arrive at Bluedata International Institute.
2) Complete an application form with necessary contact information.
3) Take entrance test.
4) Sign an enrollment agreement and academic agreement
5) Register and pay for the appropriate class. Read the Student Orientation Packet
6) Attend class.
Students must be age of 16 and above to be enrolled. The enrollment agreement is the legal contract signed
between the student and the school. The agreement specifies the condition under which the school will
provide instruction to the student. It also specifies the class and schedule the student register for and all fees
students must pay in order to enroll in a program. The academic agreement specifies how students are graded,
and how they can progress through course levels.
If the student is unable to satisfy the course requirements upon the scheduled graduation date, he/she is
required to notify our office and specify a desired graduation date that ought to fall within a full cycle of the
published program length after the scheduled completion date. Under rare circumstances, a student is allowed
to join an ongoing class with the school’s permission.
(For international students with F-1 status, registration is first come first serve. In order to completely register,
they must choose a specific class date set by the school and pay the full tuition. If a student fails to register,
the school has the right to terminate student status.)
COURSE HOURS, PREREQUISITES & DESCRIPTIONS
ESL (Level 1)
200 Hours
- Entrance Requirements: ACT COMPASS ESL Grammar Usage: 1-30, ESL Listening: 1-30, ESL
Reading: 1-40
Upon Completion of ESL L1, the student will be familiar and comfortable with Basic English grammar. The
student should be able to answer simple Yes/No, Wh-questions. Students will learn basic survival English.
This course will help improve student’s vocabulary, as well as reading, writing, listening and speaking
skills. A secondary goal of this program is one of cross-cultural understanding and appreciation.
ESL (Level 2)
200 Hours
- Entrance Requirements: ACT COMPASS ESL Grammar Usage: 31-50, ESL Listening: 31-50, ESL
Reading: 41-55
6
Upon completion of ESL L2, the student should be able to produce simple answers with emerging complexity.
Students will learn survival English. This course will help improve student’s vocabulary, as well as reading,
writing, listening and speaking skills. A secondary goal of this program is one of cross-cultural understanding
and appreciation.
ESL (Level 3)
200 Hours
- Entrance Requirements: ACT COMPASS ESL Grammar Usage: 51-70, ESL Listening: 51-70, ESL
Reading: 56-64
Upon completion of ESL L3, the student should be able to make dialogs, questions and answers, sentences,
and polite requests in English for an intermediate level. This course will help improve student’s vocabulary,
as well as reading, writing, listening and speaking skills. A secondary goal of this program is one of
cross-cultural understanding and appreciation.
ESL (Level 4)
200 Hours
- Entrance Requirements: ACT COMPASS ESL Grammar Usage: 71-80, ESL Listening: 71-80, ESL
Reading: 65-79
Upon completion of ESL L4, the student should be able to make dialogs, questions and answers, sentences,
and polite requests in English for a high intermediate level. Critical thinking topics will be introduced to
students. This course will help improve student’s vocabulary, as well as reading, writing, listening and
speaking skills. A secondary goal of this program is one of cross-cultural understanding and appreciation.
ESL (Level 5)
200 Hours
- Entrance Requirements: ACT COMPASS ESL Grammar Usage: 81-90, ESL Listening: 81-90, ESL
Reading: 80-90
Upon completion of ESL L5, students should be able to create a simple essay with an introduction paragraph,
two main body paragraphs, and a conclusion paragraph. Students should be able to differentiate the different
types of essays as well as create a essay outline. This course will help improve student’s vocabulary, as well
as reading, writing, listening and speaking skills.
ESL (Level 6)
200 Hours
- Entrance Requirements: ACT COMPASS ESL Grammar Usage: 91-99, ESL Listening: 91-99, ESL
Reading: 91-99
Exit Requirements: Passing grade of C, teacher recommendation
ESL Level 6 is the most advanced class offered in written and verbal English. The goal of this course is to
prepare students for competition in the mainstream upon completing their studies at Bluedata International
Institute. Throughout this course, students will learn to analyze current New York Times articles and National
Public Radio commentaries.
By the end of this course, students should be able to discuss their views on global issues in English either via
essay, or by short speech. Students should be able write a focused opinion and/or compare /contrast essay.
Students will learn to write a professional resume and cover letter. A secondary goal of this program is one of
cross-cultural understanding and appreciation.
TOEFL Prep Course
200 Hours
Entrance Requirements: High School Diploma or GED; ACT COMPASS ESL Grammar, Listening, and
Reading above 81
7
The goal of this class is to optimize student performance on the TOEFL. This course helps the students
acquire the following skills: familiarization with the format of the test, techniques for answering multiple
choice questions, vocabulary expansion, grammar analysis, reading and listening comprehension skills
Emphasis is placed upon vocabulary, grammar, listening and reading comprehension. Upon successful
completion of the course, the student achieves a comprehensive improvement in all aspects of his or her
language skills and test-taking skills.
GMAT Prep Course
200 Hours
Entrance Requirements: College Junior or Senior
The main goal of this course is to optimize student performance on the GMAT. Students will learn the
following skills: familiarity with the GMAT format, strategies on how to answer different types of verbal
section questions (reading comprehension, sentence correction, critical thinking, etc), strategies on how to
answer math problems (quantitative analysis and problem solving), and strategies on how to handle the
GMAT essay questions. In addition, students will improve both their language and quantitative skills in a
comprehensive manner, including grammar, reading, vocabulary, writing and mathematics.
GRE Prep Course
200 Hours
Entrance Requirements: College Junior or Senior
The main goal of this course is to optimize student performance on the GRE. The following skills will be
discussed in class: format of the GRE, strategies on how to answer the verbal section, strategies on how to
answer the math portion, and strategies on how to answer the essay sections. In addition, students will
improve both their language and quantitative skills in a comprehensive manner, including grammar, reading,
vocabulary, writing and mathematics.
ACADEMIC STANDARDS
The student progress is monitored through student’s participation, performance-based tests, and standardized
tests. Students’ progress is recorded in the student progress report two times per term (5th week and last week).
Students are graded on a quantitative scale, for qualitative progress.
 Grades are percentages derived from class participation, progressive tests and final exams. A passing
grade is achieved by a total grade of 70% or higher. Letter grades correspond to percentages:
A=90-100, B=80-89, C=70-79, D=60-69, F=below 60%.
 A student is not permitted to advance to the next ESL level if he/she fails or withdraw (Incomplete) in
the middle of his/her current level; he/she could choose either to stay on the same level or go to a
lower level. A student who passes his/her current ESL levels is permitted to either advance to the next
level (with teacher’s permission) or stay on the same level.
 Students will be given a progress report from the instructor during the 5th and last week of the course.
Progress reports will tell students how they are progressing in the course, as well as advice on how to
improve their scores.
Student Completion Rate
The school currently has a student completion rate of 75%. 7.5 of 10 students who enroll in a class
successfully complete their education.
8
REQUIREMENTS FOR GRADUATION
The student must earn a minimum GPA of 2.0 in the program he/she enrolled in.
1) The student must meet the requirement of attendance and all other school policies as delineated below.
2) The student must have met all financial obligations to the school, which is full payment of tuition and any
other fees that may incur.
*All graduates are awarded a Certificate of Completion.
HOLIDAY SCHEDULE
Listed below are the dates of holidays that Bluedata will observe. If you observe a holiday not listed below,
please notify the school and your instructor one week before the date. A student who misses class in order to
observe his or her religious or national holidays may be eligible for make-up sessions.
Holiday
2011
2012
2013
New Year
January 1,2011
January 1, 2012
January 1,2013
Martin L. King Day
January 17, 2011
January 16, 2012
January 21, 2013
Chinese New Year
February 3, 2011
January 23, 2012
February 10, 2013
President’s Day
February 21, 2011
February 20, 2012
February 18, 2013
Good Friday
April 22, 2011
April 6, 2012
March 29, 2013
Easter Sunday
April 24, 2011
April 8, 2012
March 31, 2013
Memorial Day
May 30, 2011
May 28, 2012
May 27, 2013
Independence Day
July 4, 2011
July 4, 2012
July 4, 2013
Labor Day
September 5, 2011
September 3, 2012
September 2, 2013
Columbus Day
October 10, 2011
October 8, 2012
October 14, 2013
Thanksgiving
November 24, 2011
November 22, 2012
November 28, 2013
Christmas
December 25, 2011
December 25, 2012
December 25, 2013
LEAVE OF ABSENCE






A student must submit a written request for the leave of absence in advance (at least 24 hours) of the
intended beginning date of the leave of absence, unless unforeseen circumstances prevent the student from
doing so. If a student does not request a leave of absence within the timeframe consistent with the
school’s consecutive absence policy, he or she will be asked to withdraw from school.
The leave of absence for students is limited to 60 calendar days in one calendar year, or one-half the
program length, whichever is shorter. Multiple leaves of absence may be permitted provided the total of
the leaves does not excess this limit.
The student must sign the leave of absence request and specify the reason for the leave. The reason for
absence is required by the school for a reasonable expectation of the student’s return within the timeframe
of the leave of absence as requested.
The student must attest to understanding the procedures and implications for returning to his/her course of
study.
The school will document the approval of the leave of absence request in accordance with the policy.
The school may not assess the student any additional charges as a result of the leave of absence.
9

International students with F-1 status must follow immigration law and school policies in terms of
absences.
ATTENDANCE & CANCELLATION





Students are expected to attend all scheduled classes. Attendance record is maintained using a combination
of methods:
o The instructor is required to cooperate with school administration by keeping an accurate attendance
record using the Attendance sheet.
o If a student is absent a first, second, and third time without notifying the school, the student will be
contacted by phone and the results will be recorded on Absence/Drop Form. (International students
with F-1 status may be contacted by phone and the results will be recorded on Absence/Drop Form
from the first absence.)
A minimum 80 percent attendance is required for graduation. International students with F-1 status must
attend a minimum of eighteen (18) hours per week when their classes are in sessions, and their legal status
and course enrollment may be terminated by school at any time if their attendance rates fall below 80
percent.
Habitual lateness will not be tolerated; arrival in class 15 minutes after start time or early leave before end
time will also result in an “L” (late) for that session.
Any student who discontinues attendance without official withdrawal will receive a failing (incomplete)
grade for the course. If a student is absent for more than 3 consecutive class sessions without appropriate
Leave of Absence Form, the school shall send a letter of warning to the student. If the school does not
receive a response from this student within 12 days from the date on which the letter is sent, the student is
considered to have voluntarily withdrawn from school. Bluedata has the right to terminate the F-1 status
of International students who withdraws without authorization.
Make-up classes are provided when necessary.
STUDENT CONDUCT
To maintain an effective, safe and healthy learning environment, all students must abide by certain standards
of conduct. Any person disobeying the following rules and regulations is subject to suspension or dismissal.
 All students must bring assigned textbooks to class.
 Students are expected to conduct themselves courteously and professionally at all times, and must obey
lawful directives issued by school faculty or staff acting in their official capacities.
 The school is a smoke free, drug-free, and alcohol-free zone.
 Students are responsible for damage to equipment resulting from deliberate misuse or vandalism. No
student is permitted to install personal software or attach hardware to any computer.
SUSPENSION OR DISMISSAL
The school Board reserves full power to dismiss or suspend a student for any conduct, which impedes,
obstructs or interferes with the orderly and continuous administration and operation of the school in use of its
facilities or in the achievement of its purpose as an educational institution.
10
TUITION AND FEES




The payment of Registration and Tuition fees is required of all students who attend classes. No student
may attend classes without registration. Detailed instructions for completing registration are printed on
the Enrollment Agreement.
The registration fee must be paid upon enrollment. The registration fee is non-refundable.
The cost of books is separate. Students may buy their textbooks in the school office or purchase them in
a bookstore outside the school. The textbook fees charged by the school are listed in the enrollment
agreement with the registration fees and course tuition.
Cash, checks, credit cards, and money orders are all accepted forms of payment.
Tuition:
Course
Hours
Weeks
ESL (Level 1)
ESL (Level 2)
ESL (Level 3)
ESL (Level 4)
ESL (Level 5)
ESL (Level 6)
TOEFL Prep Course
GMAT Prep Course
GRE Prep Course
200
200
200
200
200
200
200
200
200
10
10
10
10
10
10
10
10
10
Hours
/Week
20
20
20
20
20
20
20
20
20
$
Reg. Fee
90
90
90
90
90
90
100
100
100
$
Tuition
900
900
900
900
900
900
1150
1400
1400
$
Total
990
990
990
990
990
990
1250
1500
1500
$
Books
35
35
40
40
40
40
55
40
25
REFUND POLICIES
 A student who cancels within seven (7) days of signing the enrollment agreement is entitled to a full
refund of tuition provided the student has not yet entered into instruction. The student will be liable only
for the nonrefundable registration fee and any books or supplies that have been accepted.
 Thereafter, a student will be liable for
1. The non-refundable registration fee, plus
2. The cost of any textbooks or supplies fee, plus
3. Tuition liability as of the student’s last date of physical attendance. Tuition liability is determined
by the percentage of the program offered to the student:
(a). First Quarter (and only quarter)
If termination occurs
Prior to or during the first week
During the second week
During the third week
During the fourth week
After the fourth week
School may keep
0% of the tuition
25% of the tuition
50% of the tuition
75% of the tuition
100% of the tuition
11
(b). Subsequent Quarters
During the first week
During the second week
During the third week
After the third week
25% of the tuition
50% of the tuition
75% of the tuition
100% of the tuition
 The student refund may be more than that stated above if the accrediting agency or Federal refund policy
results in a greater refund.
FACILITY DESCRIPTION



Bluedata’s classrooms, multimedia room, teacher lounge, student library, and main office all contribute to
helping students study English in a comforting and secure environment. In addition, Bluedata’s
accessible location enables students to experience NYC’s vibrant culture.
Bluedata has 15 spacious classrooms, equipped with a teacher’s table and chair, desks and chairs for
students, a whiteboard, and a CD player. All classrooms are well lit and ventilated, and create a
comfortable and constructive working environment for teachers and students alike. Students have access
to the computer room, student lounge/library and computer stations during all school operational hours.
Students also can use empty classrooms for peer study groups. Our restrooms and elevators are
wheelchair accessible. Those students requiring additional help due to an accident or disability should
notify the school prior to enrollment for assistance.
The maximum number of students in a classroom and laboratory is 16 to 20; therefore the maximum
student to teacher ratio for classroom and laboratory is 16 to 20.
STUDENT SERVICES




Included in the student’s tuition and fees are 20 hours of class per week for a cycle of ten weeks, textbook,
unlimited walk-in counseling, and school events or parties.
Optional services include but are not limited to housing placement, airport pickup and health insurance.
Students are welcome to use the computers or the student lounge/library at any time while enrolled at
Bluedata.
Students are offered a complimentary student ID card.
GENERAL POLICY FOR DISABLE STUDENTS
Bluedata International’s policy for students with disabilities is in compliance with the Disability
Discrimination Act 1995: Part 4, regarding students and applicants with disabilities so that no otherwise
qualified individual with a disability shall be denied access to or participation in the services, programs and
activities of the school. As long as the student passes the entry exam for each course he/she is willing to study,
there wouldn’t be any barrier for him/her to enroll in the course. It will make reasonable adjustments to
support students in their learning environment and remove or reduce barriers which prevent disabled students
from successful participation in all aspects of studying life.
12
COMPLAINT PROCEDURES
All students are encouraged to discuss concerns, academic issues or complaints with school staff and faculty.
Problems involving classroom or academic matters should first be discussed directly with the faculty member
involved. Questions about non-academic matters should be discussed with a member of the administration.
Administrators will present all formal complaints in writing to the Director on the Student
Complaint/Advising Form.
Students may email their complaint to complain@bluedata-ny.com. The Director will make inquiries and
recommend a resolution within thirty days of receiving the complaint.
Students may also submit complaints to the New York State Education Department, BPSS.
Phone: 518.474.3969 Email: bpss@mail.nysed.gov
DISCLOSURE STATEMENT
Since the course offerings, faculty, and other aspects of the school can change more often than the catalog can
be updated, students are encouraged to contact the school office for the most current information.
CONSUMER INFORMATION
The Tuition Reimbursement Fund is designed to protect the financial interest of students attending
proprietary schools. If a school closes while you are in attendance prior to the completion of your
educational program, then you may be eligible for a refund of all tuition expenses, which you have paid. If
you drop out of school prior to completion and you file a complaint against the school with the New York
State Education Department, you may be eligible to receive a tuition refund if the State Education Department
is able to provide factual support that your complaint is valid and they determine that there was a violation of
Education Law or the Commissioner's Regulations as specified in Section 126.17 of the Commissioner's
Regulations. To file a complaint to the Tuition Reimbursement Fund, you must first file a complaint with
the Bureau of Proprietary School Supervision, New York State Education Department, 116 West 32nd Street,
and 5th Floor, New York, NY 10001 or telephone (212) 643-4760. The staff of the State Education
Department will assist you in the preparation of tuition reimbursement form.
13